Driving home after alarplasty with local anesthetic, is it safe?

Question

Is it safe to drive home after an alarplasty procedure where only LOCAL anaesthetic was used?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is safe to drive home as long as you're not been given any narcotic pills, IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I would think you could drive yourself, depending on the extent of the surgery.  You should get soecific instructions about this from your surgeon.  If any doubt, get a ride.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear improvement159,it should be safe for you to drive home if only local anesthesia was used. In case of IV anesthesia, you shouldn't drive. It would be the best to discuss it with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would direct this question to your surgeon for a definitive answer, as he/she will have a protocol to follow after your procedure.  In general, however, it is usually safe to drive if you have had local anesthesia, only.  It is not safe, however,  if you have any oral or IV anesthesia.  Again, I would talk with your surgeon about this specifically.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In general, it should be fine to drive home after any procedure (including alarplasty) where only local anesthesia was used.  You should discuss this with your particular surgeon however, just to make sure that no other medications would be used that could affect your ability to drive.

Carlos L. Wolf, MD · Answer

After having a procedure with local anesthesia it is generally considered safe to drive. Obviously you should ask your doctor how he or she feels about that decision. Alarplasty is a small procedure with minimal risk.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

Absolutely safe. Not unlike driving home after having some dental work done. Using common sense about how you feel after the surgery will dictate, but I would think this would be an easy call.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Many surgeons would recommend oral sedation prior to any procedure under local anesthesia to decrease anxiety.  If this is the case with your procedure then you should not drive and should be escorted home by another driver.  If you have not taken oral sedation or pain pills then you are probably okay to drive.  Good luck with your procedure,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

Driving home after alarplasty with local anesthetic, is it safe?

Answers (8)

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